Why is importer filing so important?

As a "veteran" with 20 years of experience in the foreign trade industry, I often encounter novice importers asking, "Why is my shipment stuck at customs?" Nine times out of ten, it's because they haven't completed the importer registration. Just like driving requires a license,Imported foodCosmeticsIt is also necessary to first obtain a "pass" — the importer registration number.

According toThe Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of ChinaAccording to relevant regulations, customs implements "access management" for imported food and cosmetics, and registration is the first threshold. Without a registration number, your imported goods will face:

• Inability to complete normal declaration and clearance
• Cargo detention resulting in high storage fees
• Even the risk of being returned

How much do you know about the legal basis for filing?

Filing is not a regulation that customs "came up with on a whim"; it has a solid legal foundation:

• Article 96 of the Food Safety Lawclearly requires importers to file withInspection of vaccinesthe relevant authorities
• Article 19 of the Measures for the Administration of Import and Export Food SafetyCustoms implements filing management for imported food
• Article 7 of the Supervision and Administration Measures for Import and Export CosmeticsCosmetics consignees also need to file

These regulations form a complete regulatory system, just like traffic rules, ensuring the safe and orderly circulation of imported food and cosmetics.

A Complete Guide to Filing Applications

Based on my practical experience, filing is actually not complicated—the key is to prepare complete materials:

List of Required Documents for Food Filing

• Filing application form (requires company seal)
• Description of food safety management organizational structure
• Description of food categories and storage locations
• Relevant business records from the past 2 years (if applicable)

List of Required Documents for Cosmetics Filing

• Filing application form (requires company seal)
• Enterprise quality and safety management system
• Description of cosmetics safety management organization
• Description of business categories and storage facilities
• Relevant business records from the past 2 years (if applicable)

Tip:All materials must be submitted in hard copy with the company seal. Its recommended to prepare scanned electronic copies in advance as backups.

Dual-Channel Processing: Online and Offline

The filing process is now very convenient, offering two application methods:

Online Processing

登錄"互聯(lián)網(wǎng)+海關(guān)"平臺(tái)（http://online.customs.gov.cn），進(jìn)入"企業(yè)管理和稽查"板塊，按照指引操作即可。24小時(shí)均可提交申請(qǐng)，特別適合工作繁忙的進(jìn)口商。

Window Processing

Submit the application at the local customs office where your enterprise is registered. Its recommended to check customs working hours in advance to avoid wasted trips.

Experience sharing:For first-time filings, its advisable to choose in-person window service, allowing direct consultation with customs officers to ensure all materials are correct.

Post-registration considerations

Obtaining the filing number is not the end point but the starting point of import business. Based on my experience, you should also pay attention to:

• Timely updates for any changes in filing information (such as address, contact person, etc.)
• Establishing complete import record ledgers
• Regularly checking whether products comply with the latest regulatory requirements
• Cooperating with customs follow-up supervision inspections

Remember, filing is not a "one-time deal," but the beginning of ongoing compliance operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the filing process take?
A: Customs commits to completing the process within 5 working days, though it typically takes around 3 days in practice.

Q: Is there a fee for the filing?
A: Completely free! Customs does not charge any filing fees.

Q: Can I apply for filing without import experience?
A: Yes! Regulations only require a business license, with no experience threshold.

Q: How long is the filing number valid?
A: It remains valid indefinitely, but must be updated promptly if company information changes.

As a seasoned foreign trade veteran, I recommend importers prioritize filing as a business prerequisite. Rather than scrambling after goods arrive at port, prepare your filing in advance to ensure smooth import operations!